Devoted Father And Husband 1925-2008

By AdventureDad on September 28th, 2008 Print This Post Email This Post

Paul Newman just passed away. I can't say I've ever been a huge fan of him but I've always admired his cool and relaxed style. It seemed like other people always had respect for him, something which is very difficult finding today. Think about it, how many people can say (genuinely) they have great respect for a wealthy megastar today? It's not difficult making lots of money, the amount of rich and famous is staggering. But how many of these fathers have children and a wife who have nothing but great things to say? Things that got nothing to do with being rich or famous and everything to do with being a devoted father, good husband, great grandfather, and selfless philanthropist. This kind of thinking is mostly forgotten today but something to think long and hard about if you're into this cool thing called fatherhood.

Others must consider my thinking being hopelessly outdated, or forward thinking, but what's the point of not being involved with the kids, working 18 hours a day, cheat on your wife, being a terrible role model for your own kids, become obese, and put the family far down on the priority list? Regardless of wealth, success, and publicity, in the long run it's the little things that matter.

I've done some cool things in my life but devoted father makes everything else seem irrelevant. I hope my kids one day say nice things about me when I pass away. This is something I've mentioned repeatedly, I'm doing a great job as a father today but what's important is what my kids say in 10-30 years. Did I do a great job or was it just wishful thinking? I don't care if they mention me being a world class tennis player or Wall Street trader, I'll settle for devoted father, loving husband and nothing more. Those two criteria will disqualify 99.9% of the population. 99% are not devoted fathers and not many are a loving husbands since fucking around with your wife’s friends or the secretary is apparently too tempting.

A few comments and a video tribute about Paul Newman. I can't think of a better person symbolizing life quality, kids, grandchildren, and enjoying life:

"Paul Newman played many unforgettable roles. But the ones for which he was proudest never had top billing on the marquee: Devoted father. Loving husband. Adoring grandfather. Dedicated philanthropist."

"Our father was a rare example of selfless humility, the last to acknowledge what he was doing was special. Intensely private, he quietly succeeded beyond measure in impacting the lives of so many with his generosity.

"Always and to the end, Dad was incredibly grateful for his good fortune. In his own words, "It's been a privilege to be here."- Newmans daughters Elinor, Melissa and Clea

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To date, the company (Newmans Own) — which donates all profits to charities such as Newman's Hole in the Wall camps — has given away more than $250 million. Newman established the camp to benefit gravely ill children.

"He saw the camps as places where kids could escape the fear, pain and isolation of their conditions, kick back and raise a little hell," Forrester said.

Today, there are 11 Hole in the Wall camps around the world, with additional programs in Africa and Vietnam. Some 135,000 children have attended the camps — free of charge.

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Newman was half of one of the most successful showbiz marriages — toJoanne Woodward, whom he married in 1958. He observed that just because he was a sex symbol there was no reason to commit adultery.

"Why would I go out for a hamburger when [I] have steak at home?" he asked.

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Early in his career he was mistaken for fellow Method actor Marlon Brando; Newman obligingly signed autographs, "Best wishes, Marlon Brando."

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"There is a point where feeling go beyond words. I have lost a real friend. My life - and this country - is better for his being in it" - Robert Redford

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"The embarrassing thing is that the salad dressing is outgrossing my films," Newman once wryly noted.

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“I have taken roads that I wished I had not traveled on,” says Newman. “And I’m traveling on some pretty exciting ones, too. Just hope when you get to that great racetrack in the sky that the balance will tip slightly into those things that you’d be proud of.”

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“I just had my first two grandchildren,” says Newman. “I want them to have a future filled with opportunity and the best education possible. But not every child is as lucky.”

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“You can’t be as old as I am without waking up with a surprised look on your face every morning: ‘Holy Christ, whaddya know – I’m still around!’”

You might enjoy this little short tribute of Paul Newman. I think it says a lot about him, I wish more people (including myself) were more like him.